PL9POLAND & THE BALTIC STATES TOUR

With St Petersburg

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Well-preserved Krakow;
Cosmopolitan Riga;
Tallinn: one of Europe's best preserved old towns;
Helsinki: 'Daughter of the Baltic';
The Hermitage, one of the world's leading museums

DATES & PRICES

FULL ITINERARY

MAP & HOTELS

TRIP INFORMATION

Dates & Prices

To book this tour, please refer to the sidebar ►

Prices are in US Dollars (USD), before any applicable taxes. The pricing reflects twin-sharing, per-person costs without airfare to/from the tour; however, we can book flights from your home airport for an added cost. Contact us for a no obligation quote.

Start Date

End Date

Price

More Info

Sun 20 May 2018

Mon 11 Jun 2018

$7490 USD

Wed 05 Sep 2018

Thu 27 Sep 2018

$7490 USD

Sun 19 May 2019

Mon 10 Jun 2019

$7490 USD

Wed 04 Sep 2019

Thu 26 Sep 2019

$7490 USD

The above prices are subject to an additional $74 for taxes/fees levied on flights that occur as part of the tour. The internal airfares ARE included, but we list the taxes separately on your invoice as they are beyond our control and can change at any time.

Optional Single Supplement: $1266 USD (number of singles limited).

Tour Overview

Not too often are we presented with the opportunity to take part in an extensive adventure to discover the true nature of Eastern Europe, but now is our chance. One story we will be telling many friends and family for years to come will be that of the five-kilometre journey we took below the Earth's surface to see some subterranean lakes in the Wieliczka Salt Mines in Poland,or perhaps the one about the time we stood in the Amber Room of the Catherine Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where several tons of golden tree-resin loomed over our heads. We will boast about how we always knew where we were going while wandering along the stone cobbled streets of Riga, Latvia, or how we now know about ancient architecture after walking along the rows of Baroque buildings in Vilnius, Lithuania. Most probably, we'll be describing the incredible height of the tower of Ivan while visiting the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, or relating how wide the Czar Bell really was.

Testimonials

Jacquelyn W. (Laguna Miguel, CA, US)

I had a wonderful time on the Adventures Abroad PL9. This was due to the good itinerary and well located hotels. Also, the people who travel with Adventures Abroad seem to be like me, interested in where they're traveling, while also being interesting people to get to know during the trip. I have kept in touch with several of the people I traveled with in 2015 on your CZ3 trip. I am hopeful that will be the case with the PL9 trip--that I've made some new friends. Also, a good trip leader, like the one we had, made the trip very good. He did the work and I got to enjoy my trip.

Marilyn O. (Cincinnati, OH, US)

Riga tour of Art Nouveau area was excellent. Old town tours of Krakow and Warsaw were excellent. Torun very good. St. Petersburg palaces excellent. Wieliczsa Salt Mines very interesting. Rock Church in Helsinki. Ballet performance in St. Petersburg was excellent. Good buses - lots of room to spread out. Ferry to Helsinki was lovely. Train to St. Petersburg was good. Very good tour.

Pat B. (Katy, TX, US)

We absolutely loved this trip. So many wonderful surprises. Loved all the different modes of travel - plane, train, ferry, hydrofoil. Beautiful and unique scenery, churches, sites, food and people. A really grand adventure for us!!!! Thanks AA!!!

Richard W. (Portland, OR, US)

Yours is a new service to me and my wife. Your product is very good.

Full Itinerary

To book this tour, please refer to the sidebar ►

Day 1Arrive in KrakowArrival in Krakow.

Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It was originally the home of the Polish royalty (between 1038 and 1596), before the capital was moved to Warsaw. The cobblestone streets, majestic churches (almost 100!), and old world charm make Krakow an unforgettable destination.

PLEASE NOTE: Our Poland program will operate slightly differently depending on the date selected. Because of closures on certain days of the week, the sightseeing order will vary from Spring to Fall (our overnight points, however, remain the same). This itinerary reflects the order of sightseeing for the immediately upcoming departure; once that trip departs, this itinerary will be updated for the following date.

Overnight in Krakow.Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mines & Oskar Schindler MuseumThis morning we visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines. On our 5km (3 mile) journey below the earth's surface we will see the salt-formed caves and grottoes, a subterranean lake and a chapel with statues carved from salt. The mines' 11 levels of galleries stretch 300km (186 miles), and some 20,000,000 tonnes (22,000,000 tons) of rock salt were extracted over 700 years. According to local legend, the deposits were discovered in the 13th century by a Hungarian princess named Kinga, whose lost ring was found in a block of salt extracted here.

We also visit the Oskar Schindler's Factory Museum. The story of Oskar Schindler and his employees is one which has been well-known since the book and film by Thomas Keneally and Steven Spielberg (whose film Schindler's List was shot almost entirely in Krakow). Individual histories of Krakow's wartime inhabitants guide visitors through the exhibit which covers the war of 1939, everyday life under occupation, the fate of the Jews and the city's underground resistance using vast archival documents, photos, radio and film recordings, period artifacts and multimedia.

Overnight in Krakow.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3Krakow: City Walking TourKrakow is very compact, and the whole central region with its cobblestone streets is full of well-preserved architecture, Gothic churches and splendid museums. On our sightseeing tour (largely on foot at a leisurely pace) we visit Wawel Hill with the Royal Castle, Market Square, and the 16th century Renaissance Cloth Hall. We continue onward to Jagiellonian University and St Mary's Church with the Wit Stwosz altar. This was designed in 1489 by Wit Stwosz of Nuremburg and is the finest sculptural work in Poland.

We then stroll down the hill from the castle complex and enter the Old Town, one of the most famous old districts in Poland and the centre of Poland's political life from 1038 until King Sigismund III Vasa relocated his court to Warsaw in 1596. The entire medieval old town is among the first sites chosen for the UNESCO's World Heritage List. The district features the centrally located Rynek Glowny, or Main Square, the largest medieval town square of any European city. There is a number of historic landmarks in its vicinity, such as St. Mary's Basilica (Kosciol Mariacki), Church of St. Wojciech (St. Adalbert's), Church of St. Barbara, as well as other national treasures.

Balance of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Krakow.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4Krakow - Oswiecim (Auschwitz) - Czestochowa - LodzOur first stop today is the Oswiecim (Auschwitz) and Brzezinka (Birkenau) Nazi concentration camps preserved as memorials to the 1.5 million people of 28 nationalities who perished here, the overwhelming majority of whom were Jewish. Our guided walking tour of the site reveals the compelling history of this region and the very human aspect of this particular historic location.

We continue to Czestochowa, the "spiritual home" of Poland, where pilgrims from every corner of the country come to Jasna Gora (Luminous Mountain) Monastery to revere the image of the Black Madonna, Poland's most important icon. Legend says that the icon was painted by St Luke the Evangelist on a piece of cypress wood from the table used by Mary in Nazareth. The icon was brought from Jerusalem and installed in the monastery around 1384.

We finish our day in Lodz (pronounced: Wooj). A small settlement, that in 1423 was granted civic rights, was thriving at the beginning of the 19th century. Lodz became one of the Europe's biggest and fastest growing textile industry centre. At that time, a new identity of the city -- "a promised land" and "a city of many cultures" was created. In Lodz people of different nationalities and religions shared the same dream of a success. Despite the differences they were able to build the city together.

We arrive in time for dinner.

Overnight in Lodz.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5Lodz - Warsaw: City TourThis morning we travel to Warsaw, arriving in time to embark upon a full city tour.

After WWII, a reconstruction campaign by its citizens resulted in today's meticulous restoration of Warsaw's Old Town with its churches, palaces and market-place. It is an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century. Warsaw has shrugged off its dour Eastern Bloc image, and is finally showing its true colours. The vibrant heart of the largest country in "New Europe", Warsaw is now poised to make is presence felt as a business and cultural hub.

We begin our sightseeing with a drive along the Royal Route and a brief orientation drive around the city before beginning our walking tour of the Old Town, a UNESCO protected site. We visit Castle Square, the Uprising Monument, and then drive over to the Praga area for a view of the river. From there go to the Jewish Ghetto area and to Umschlag Platz where we visit the Museum of History of Polish Jews. The museum features a multimedia narrative exhibition about the vibrant Jewish community that flourished in Poland for a thousand years.

A highlight of our day will be a visit to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. The museum sponsors research into the history of the Uprising, and the history and possessions of the Polish Underground State. It collects and maintains hundreds of artifacts, ranging from weapons used by the insurgents to love letters, in order to present a full picture of the people involved. The museum's stated goals include the creation of an archive of historical information on the Uprising and the recording of the stories and memories of the still living Uprising participants.

Overnight in Warsaw.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6Warsaw - TorunWe continue our journey to the picturesque medieval town of Torun, a beautiful medieval city in northwestern Poland, situated on the Vistula River. Our May tour may be able to visit the Chopin Museum in Zelazowa Wola (in September this day falls on a Monday when the museum is closed).

Torun's architecture managed to escape bombing, and as such represents one of the only examples of true Gothic architecture in Poland. At warm times of year Torun's old town is full of street cafes and restaurants where you can eat and drink outdoors and enjoy the medieval atmosphere.

Overnight in Torun.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7Torun: Nicolaus Copernicus Museum* - GdanskThis morning we enjoy the sights of Torun. Its Old Town has been included in UNESCO's list for its impressive 13th century Town Hall, superb churches and historic streets preserving Torun's past glory. If possible,* we will visit the Nicolaus Copernicus Museum, Copernicus House. The museum collects materials about the life and work of Copernicus: a library, old prints and books from the time of Copernicus, various editions of his work, "Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres," and models of the astronomical instruments he used.

We continue to Gdansk, an absolutely charming place with its tall, narrow buildings, peaked roofs and decorative facades that combine perfectly with the cobblestone streets. The famous Gdansk Shipyards are visible from most parts of the city. During our time in Gdansk we'll visit the marvellous Old Town and its main street, Dlugi Targ (Long Market).

* DUE TO ONGOING renovations, the Copernicus Museum may be closed periodically. Our regrets in advance if we are unable to visit.

Overnight in Gdansk.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8Gdansk Area TourIts position on the Baltic has historically made Gdansk one of the most important port cities in Northern Europe, and tragically also the scene of a rather disturbing past. World War II was ignited by a dispute over the control of the city. By the end of the war the city lay almost completely in ruins. The German population was expelled and replaced by Poles as the city came under Polish rule and changed its name to Gdansk. However, the impact of its former German ties is still evident. Although most of the old buildings were damaged or destroyed in WWII, they have been painstakingly restored or rebuilt.

Today we tour Gdansk, including the Teutonic Knights Castle in nearby Malbork, the largest brick building in Europe and one of Poland's greatest tourist attractions.

Overnight in Gdansk.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9Gdansk - Oliwa - OlsztynAfter breakfast, we drive to Olsztyn.

En route we stop to visit Oliwa Cathedral. This Holy Trinity, Blessed Virgin Mary, and St Bernard's Church was first erected as a Cistercian shrine back in the 13th century. Reconstructed in 1350 after a great fire, it re-emerged in the Gothic style, but many of the new fixtures were to be relatively short lived. The Gothic interior was extremely damaged in a 1577 fire and was replaced with the Baroque fixtures we admire today for their beauty and intensity. The Oliwa Cathedral is perhaps best known for its massive, splendid organ. The organ is comprised of over 7,000 pipes and is decorated with movable angels and brightly painted stars. When built, the instrument was the largest in Europe. The main alter is also very impressive, and if the organ is in use, you're sure to be riveted by its magnificent sound!

We continue to Olsztyn, a town located in a region of lakes and forests. The most attractive part of the city is the old town, encircled by a set of fortified walls.

Overnight in Olsztyn.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10Olsztyn - Olsztynek - WarsawAfter breakfast, we return to Warsaw. On the way, we visit the Ethnographic Park in Olsztynek, site of the Museum of Folk Architecture, one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe. The museum contains many interesting examples of folk architecture, including houses, barns, windmills and other traditional buildings. A particular attraction of the park are the interiors of old houses, the evangelical church, a blacksmith, a pottery stand, a windmill as well as various temporary displays representing items of traditional craftsmanship and modern folk art and handicraft from the region.

Continue to Warsaw.

Overnight in Warsaw.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11Warsaw, Poland - Vilnius, LithuaniaToday we fly* from Warsaw to Vilnius and transfer to our hotel.

"Narrow cobblestone streets and an orgy of Baroque: almost like a Jesuit city somewhere in the middle of Latin America," wrote the author Czeslaw Milosz of pre-war Vilnius. Soviet-era satellite suburbs aside, it's a description which still rings true today. Despite being the capital of the medieval Lithuanian state, Vilnius was occupied by Poland between the wars and was inhabited mainly by Poles and Jews who played such a prominent role in the city's life that it was known as the "Northern Jerusalem". Vilnius is still a cosmopolitan place -- around twenty percent of its population is Polish and another twenty percent is Russian -- though with just 543,000 inhabitants it has an almost village-like atmosphere, making it an easy place to get to know.

* NOTE: Depending on final group size and flight schedules (which can be erratic), this journey may take place overland (by private bus). If so, we apologize for the backtracking and inconvenience.

Overnight in Vilnius.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12Vilnius & TrakaiThis morning we travel to Trakai, a former capital of Lithuania. The town, situated on the shores of several lakes, has two prominent castles built to fend off German knights in the 14th century. Trakai is famous for its population of Kara-Kalpak people. Brought to Trakai from the Crimean Peninsula by the Grand Duke Vytautas in the late 14th century, the Kara-Kalpak still hold their Jewish religious services in the yellow Kinessa, built in 1812. Our tour here includes a visit to the Trakai Historical Museum, housed within the main rooms of Trakai's island castle.

We return to Vilnius for a lunch break and town tour.

Sweden, Poland, France and Russia have all ruled Vilnius in the past, and this afternoon we will witness the influences that this has had on this beautiful city. The Old Town is one of the largest in Europe, with nearly 1,500 historic buildings of note built over several centuries creating a splendid blend of many different architectural styles.

Our walking tour will take us to Cathedral Square in the heart of the city. Inside the cathedral we see the famous chapel of Saint Kazimieras, considered an architectural gem. Rising in the distance behind Cathedral Square is the Gedimino Tower, once part of the 14th century defense system. We will also see the baroque Peter and Paul Church, originally built in the 14th century. The Gates of Dawn, on the eastern side of the Old Town, were one of the original nine gates into the city. The original Gothic defensive wall was once over 2 km (1.5 miles) long. From this
remaining gate we will walk down through the streets of the old town. Nearby is the Jewish Quarter, with its cobblestone lanes and hidden courtyards.

Overnight in Vilnius.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13Vilnius - Kaunas - Siauliai, Lithuania - Riga, LatviaToday we travel to Riga via Kaunas to see the Castle and Old Town at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers, the Nemunas and the Neris. We see the Town Hall Square, lined with 15th-16th century merchants' houses, and the 17th century baroque Town Hall dominating its center. Nearby Kaunas Cathedral and Gothic Vytautas Church dominate the riverbank. After our visit we continue north to Riga.

En route we stop at the Hill of Crosses, located just north of the small industrial city of Siauliai. Siauliai is the Lithuanian national pilgrimage center, and a city of famous cultural traditions and legends. On a small hill stand thousands of crosses that represent Christian devotion and act as a compelling resistance memorial to the German and Soviet occupation. Today newlyweds often come here after their wedding ceremony to ask for God's blessing.

After our stop we will proceed to the border and continue on to Riga.

Overnight in Riga.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14Riga: City TourRiga, founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts an impressive kaleidoscope of various architectural styles.

We start with a panoramic drive taking in some of the most famous sights of Riga. Our route along the embankment of the River Daugava provides us with wonderful views of the city. Our route takes us to the center of town to the Jugendstil District and Alberta Street, an open-air architectural museum and one of the best collections of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. We then drive through the modern part of the city, observing the university building, National Opera, Academy of Arts and central train station. We will then leave our bus at the entrance to the Old Town.

Our walking tour of the Old Town will include Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, Swedish Gates, Large and Small Guild Houses, and the Freedom Monument. During your free time, we recommend a visit to the Museum of the Occupation, dedicated to information about Latvia and its people under two occupying totalitarian regimes from 1940 to 1991 (entrance by donation).

Overnight in Riga. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15Riga: Rundale PalaceThis morning we travel about 90 minutes to a region known as Bauska, where we visit Rundale Palace, an architectural pearl created by architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, designer of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. Construction of the palace was completed only in 1768 and now it is a magnificent sample of baroque style with elements of classicism, with crystal chandeliers, rich stucco moulding, silk wallpaper, collection of paintings, and frescoes by Italian artists. This is the place where leaders of the state, wishing to receive high guests with really regal honours, hosted the royal couple from Denmark when they visited in Latvia.

The balance of the day is yours to further explore this beautiful, compact city on your own.

Overnight in Riga.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16Riga, Latvia - Parnu - Tallinn, EstoniaThis morning we depart Riga for Tallinn, visiting Parnu en route. There was a trading settlement in Parnu before the German crusaders arrived, but recorded history of the city dates back to the 13th century. From the middle of the 19th century, Parnu developed as a resort town with its good beaches and relatively good weather. During the Soviet era, Parnu's guesthouses, inns and hotels were converted to sanatoria. We will do a stroll through parts of the Old Town, including the town's oldest building, the Red Tower.

We continue to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Historically, Tallinn has been attacked, sacked, razed and pillaged on numerous occasions. Although extensively bombed by Soviet air forces during the latter stages of World War II, much of the medieval Old Town still retains its charm. The Tallinn Old Town became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1997.

Overnight in Tallinn.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 17Tallinn: City TourToday we have a guided WALKING tour of this important Baltic Sea harbour city. We begin with a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built in the nineteenth century. The cathedral dominates the Lossi Plats, and is an imposing testament to the Russian imperialist influence. We also visit the Dominican Monastery, which played an important role in bringing Christianity to Estonia. We have the opportunity to visit the Toompea Castle site, a 13th century castle where the current parliament of Estonia holds its sessions. In the immediate area we will also visit the Toomkirik Lutheran cathedral, founded in 1233, with its impressive carved tombs inside.

This afternoon you will have some free time to stroll through the picturesque Old Town with its jumble of medieval buildings, turrets and walls.

Overnight in Tallinn. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 18Tallinn, Estonia - Helsinki, FinlandThis morning we take a fast ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki (HAVE YOUR PASSPORTS HANDY!) and embark upon a tour of this sophisticated capital. Affectionately known as the 'Daughter of the Baltic', Helsinki is sited at the arrowhead of a peninsula, surrounded by an archipelago of 315 islands, perfectly placed between its two great trading cousins, Stockholm and Moscow. From a European perspective, Helsinki is relatively young (450 years), yet it is Finland's sixth-oldest town. The Swedes, who extended their empire into Finland in 1155, founded the city of 'Helsingfors' (the name still used by the Swedes) in 1550 when King Gustav Vasa needed a site for a strategic, competitively placed trading port. It languished as a coastal backwater until Imperialist Russia invaded in 1809.

We will enjoy a comprehensive walking tour taking in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre and the diplomatic quarters, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. We stop at Senate Square, and, if possible, Temppeliaukio Church. During the afternoon you can explore the busy market place or the many souvenir shops close to the harbour.

St Petersburg is a relatively new city, founded in 1703. When it was nine years old it became the capital of Russia and retained this status till 1918. Even now it is referred to as the "Northern Capital" of Russia. Over almost 300 years of its history, St Petersburg accumulated all the grandeur of the Russian Imperial Court and became one of the largest centers of culture, science and industry. Created by Peter the Great as a sea port on the Baltic, it was essentially "a
window to the West" for Russia, combining the best of the West and the East.

Overnight in St Petersburg.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 20St Petersburg: The Russian Museum & Peter and Paul FortressThis morning we visit the Russian Museum. The museum opened in 1898 by Alexander III in the beautiful Mikhailovsky Palace -- well worth inspecting before we take a look at the collection inside. Works of Russian art abound with over 370,000 pieces in the collection. There are prized paintings, sculptures, iconographic art and several masterpieces. It truly is an encyclopaedia of Russian life, character and soul.

We also visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and St Isaac's Cathedral. At the fortress we will see how the fort played an important role in the development of St Petersburg. Inside the stone walls we will visit the Cathedral of Peter and Paul, the final resting place of the Romanovs. At St Isaac's Cathedral we will notice the interior reliefs of exceptional beauty. We will also hear of the many legends that make this church famous throughout Russia.

During our time in St Pete's, we'll also visit the Church on the Savior of Spilled Blood, a marvelous Russian-style church was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in March 1881. After assuming power in 1855 in the wake of Russia's disastrous defeat in the Crimean War, Alexander II initiated a number of reforms, freeing Russian serfs (peasants, who were almost enslaved to their owners) from their ties to their masters, and undertook a rigorous program of military, judicial and urban reforms, never before attempted in Russia. The decision was taken to build a church on the spot where the Emperor was mortally wounded. The church was built between 1883 and 1907 and was officially called the Resurrection of Christ Church; its construction was almost entirely funded by the Imperial family and thousands of private donors.

As we travel around from point to point today you will also have a general orientation / panoramic tour of this compact city.

Overnight in St Petersburg.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 21St Petersburg: Peterhof Palace & the HermitageThis morning we visit Peterhof Palace (Petrodvorets), a remarkable example of an eighteenth and nineteenth century country estate. Built by Peter I in 1717, the palace was to be "better than the French king's at Versailles." An intricate system of water fountains surrounds the palace in the immaculate gardens. We will have a chance to walk through the palace and the gardens. We return to the city by hydrofoil (weather/season permitting).

This afternoon we explore one of the world's leading museums, the Hermitage. With over 400 exhibition halls, it is virtually impossible to list all of the treasures. While walking through the many galleries, look out for Madonna by Raphael, Judith by Giorgione, Titian's Saint-Sebastian, and many, many paintings by Rembrandt. Inside this beautiful Winter Palace are some of the finest collections of French impressionist works. In addition, there is a fine collection of ancient and classical works from ancient Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia. One could easily spend several days wandering the halls inside the building; for the purposes of our formal guided tour today, we concentrate on the highlights and provide an orientation to those wishing to explore further on their own during some designated free time. You are welcome to remain in the museum and make your own way back to the hotel on your own.

Overnight in St Petersburg.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 22St Petersburg: Catherine Palace & Time at LeisureThis morning we travel to Pushkin to see the sumptuous Catherine Palace, created in the eighteenth century by Catherine the Great, the second wife of Peter III. Designed by Rastrelli, this palace is a truly stunning example of classical baroque architecture and interior design. The true glory of the palace is the Amber Room, made of several tons of the golden tree resin -- the lightest gem in the world. The room was first installed in the Winter Palace, but in 1755 Empress Elizabeth ordered Francesco Rastrelli to move it to the Catherine Palace.

We then return to St Pete's where you'll have some much-deserved free time on your own this afternoon.

Overnight in St Petersburg.Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 23DepartureDeparture from St Petersburg.

NOTE: Due to Russian visa requirements, please advise your booking agent or tour consultant if you plan to extend your stay in Russia after our tour.

SCASTLIVOGO PUTI!Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Tour Map

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*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

Hotel List

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Radisson SAS Warsaw

Rating: Location: WarsawCountry: PolandConveniently located in the heart of the business district and tourist quarter of Warsaw, Radisson SAS Centrum Hotel welcomes both ...and leisure travellers. The hotel is close to the Palace of Science and Culture and the Warsaw Central Station, and just a 20-minute drive from the airport.

Rating: Location: TorunCountry: PolandThe Mercure Helios Torun is located in the city centre, very close to the old town and the birthplace of ...Copernicus. Hotel offers 105 modern single and double rooms and 5 suites. All rooms are equipped with SAT TV, pay TV, radio, telephone, minibar and fast Internet access.

Rating: Location: GdanskCountry: PolandThe Hotel Mercure Gdansk Hevelius is just a stone's throw away from the Old Town. The hotel also offers a ...view of the picturesque Old Town or the historic Gdansk Shipyard.

Rating: Location: VilniusCountry: LithuaniaThe hotel Congress, situated in the very centre of Vilnius, is the ideal place for business travellers and tourists. As ...of the oldest hotels of Vilnius, it was constructed on the banks of the Neris river, next to the legendary Bridge Zaliasis ("Green Bridge") dating back to the 16th century. The hotel is contiguous to the Old Town which can be admired through the bedrooms windows.

Rating: Location: RigaCountry: LatviaWith only 14 rooms, this hotel is suitable for our smaller groups. In the very centre of Old City is ...one of the coziest Riga hotels – Vecriga (in translation: Old Riga). Construction of the building began in the 15th century. Every room has a mini bar, telephone, TV.

Rating: Location: HelsinkiCountry: FinlandRecently completely refurbished, Sokos Hotel Presidentti is located next to the Kamppi mall, in the heart of Helsinki, next to ...wealth of culture attractions and the best shopping in town.The extensive refurbishing of rooms and restaurant facilities was completed in the spring of 2007.

Rating: Location: Saint PetersburgCountry: RussiaCronwell Inn Stremyannaya is the first hotel of the Cronwell Hotels & Resorts Gallery which was opened in St. Petersburg ...the beginning of 2010.

Cronwell Inn Stremyannaya hotel is located in the historic center of St. Petersburg in just 3 minutes walking distance from the Nevsky Prospekt, Moscow railway station, Mayakovskaya metro station, 15 minutes – from main city attractions and only in 30 minutes from Pulkovo airport.

The hotel is located on the famous Stremyannaya street, in a fully renovated historic building. Read More.

Trip Information

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Inclusions

Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily. All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

This tour is offered in spring, summer and fall the most popular of which is are spring and fall when temperatures are relatively mild and crowds thinner. Showers quite possible in spring and fall, somewhat less so in summer though can occur any time. Summers can be humid though long daylight hours maximize exploration.

Transport and Travel Conditions

Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have a couple of full bus days there are plenty of stops of interest. Hydrofoil crossing to Finland. Comfortable 2nd class day train to St Petersburg.

Accommodation

Well-located, air- conditioned, mid-range hotels (3 star) throughout. Many are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though most have shower only. Porter service is rarely available; you MUST be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.

Staff and Support

Tour Leader throughout, driver, local step-on guides in various locales.